Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
Lifestyle changes key to Alzheimer’s prevention We now have a prescription that researchers think can delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not a pill, it’s a list of lifestyle choices. Results from a landmark study announced this summer show that having a healthy lifestyle may be the key. “It’s the first time we have been able to give people a kind of recipe for what is useful,” said Maria Carrillo, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will likely develop dementia as the baby boomers age. In the study, researchers looked at 1,260 people in Finland from 60 to 77 years old, who were at risk for Alzheimer’s. One group went on a lifestyle improvement program and the other group received general health advice. The results were dramatic. The lifestyle program included: Eat well: Start by adding fruits and vegetables to your regular diet. Ease out fats and fried foods, and always choose whole grains rather than highly refined bakery products. BRAIN, continued on page 6
November 2014
Bob Evertson Volunteer brings tail-wagging good time For 22 years now, Topeka resident Bob Evertson has given back to the city in a special way, by bringing the joy of canine companionship to local retirement homes. “I love seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces. Their hands reach out to pet the dogs, and you can tell they really enjoy their company,” Bob said. “Recently, I passed a room where a lady had just been cared for by nurses. She seemed a bit down, but when she petted my dogs Sandy and Chance, she got a big smile on her face.”
Bob Evertson, right, with Santa and two of his therapy dogs.
Not only has Bob been doing this for more than two decades, he’s also done so with one particular breed, the Shetland sheepdog, most commonly referred to as a sheltie. “Holly was my first dog. She was trained by a man named Merle Harper, who suggested I might start taking her into some local nursing homes,” Bob said. “I was still working at the time, so I went during evenings or weekends. When I retired, I could go during the day.” Bob’s line of companion dogs has been in a continuous cycle of training, with one generation teaching the next. “Amanda was my second dog. I would take her and Holly together. When Holly passed, I got Misty from a local shelter. She’d been abused and needed a lot of bathing. She took about four months to prepare for community visits,” Bob said. “Then, I got Chance when he was about four-and-a-half months old, and Amanda and Misty helped train him. Eventually, Amanda and Misty passed, and Chance was lonesome. So that’s when I got Sandy.” Bob and his line of well-trained shelties have brought many smiles to the faces at Presbyterian Manor over the years. “Every once in awhile, someone doesn’t want to be visited by the dogs. Maybe they’re allergic or THERAPY, continued on page 2